We often hear about the purser onboard a flight, but what does the role actually entail? The purser is a fully trained cabin crew member who also takes on additional management responsibilities and tasks. This article explores the role and its interesting origins further.
What is the purser?
Every commercial flight will have a purser as part of the cabin crew team. Some airlines may use a different name, but the purser is essentially in charge of the cabin crew. They also take responsibility for cabin safety, passenger experience and much of the flight paperwork. Pursers will often rise through cabin crew and will always be fully trained and qualified flight attendants.
Depending on the aircraft capacity, flight length and size of the cabin crew, there could be multiple pursers involved. For example, a chief purser could take lead responsibility, with other purses heading up separate classes or cabins. Depending on the airline, you may hear other terms here – such as cabin service director, in-flight service manager or flight service manager. The seniority of a purser is often marked on the uniform, much as it is with pilots.
The role of the purser
Pursers take on additional roles over that of normal cabin crew. The exact tasks the purser is responsible for will vary between airlines, regions and types of flight. Some of the following is based on descriptions given by KLM for its pursers.
The purser’s duties begin before the flight. They will review flight and passenger information, consider any special requirements, and coordinate with the airport gate and boarding team as required. They will also assign cabin crew roles for the flight.
During the flight, the purser will lead the team and the passenger experience. This involves making the main passenger announcements, managing crew operations and service and liaising with the flight deck crew. They will also step in in the event of any special situations, including disruptive passengers, medical problems or even nervous passengers.
Finally, they will take responsibility for many of the administrative tasks during and after the flight. This could include recording in-flight sales, reporting cabin problems or defects, and completing crew documentation or comments.
Where are the origins of the term?
The term “purser” has been used much longer than “cabin crew.” Like many things in aviation, it has its origins in maritime heritage. A ship’s purser was traditionally the person responsible for handling money on the ship. This role also evolved to take on responsibility for other crew members, including ship stewards and cooks.
This included responsibility for supplies coming onboard the ship, including food and drink and cabin equipment and supplies. There are many historical stories of pursers taking advantage of this and profiting from commissions or side-businesses.
The role remains on modern ships today. Although, with large passenger ships, a purser’s office with a team of people is more likely. This office still takes on responsibility for monetary management onboard.
source:simpleflying.com